Project Info

OverviewWe built and completed roundabouts in the summer of 2013 at the intersections of Depot and Bender roads along Badger Road (SR 546) in Lynden to improve safety and traffic flow.

Improves Safety
Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or signal-controlled intersections.

Roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Studies by the IIHS and Federal Highway Administration have shown that roundabouts typically achieve:

Economic Incentive
Freight mobility - Badger Road is of particular importance because it parallels the U.S./Canada border and is a designated freight route. It is book-ended by SR 539 and SR 9. This project will improve connections to freight border crossings at SR 539 and SR 9.

Partnerships & Cooperation
We hosted community meetings in May, 2011 and 2012 during the design phase of the project.

During construction, we informed the community and media of construction detours and lane closures to help keep traffic moving smoothly.

Funding

Funding for this project came from the federal Coordinated Border Infrastructure (CBI) program. This was a unique opportunity to complete priority improvements and create jobs in Whatcom County using funds that must be dedicated to border-related projects.